05/09/2026
Home Bodies
Dir. Casey Walker
Screened as part of my remote press coverage of Tubi Frightfest
Following its International Premiere at FrightFest on 29th August, I’m delighted to share my spoiler free review of Home Bodies.
Synopsis: Two children, raised in total isolation by an automated house, begin to confront the mysteries of their existence after an enigmatic stranger arrives from outside.
Director Casey Walker has created a shining example of how to disrupt our preconceived notions of what sci-fi looks like in the horror space. The strength of casting is key to the film’s success, with the natural lived-in chemistry of twins Emma and Ian Ho (Red and Blue), excelling with grounded, mature performances. Then there’s Ess Hödlmoser as Pal, an unnerving character who disrupts the status quo of our young teen’s existence in the most unexpectedly chilling way. The single location acts as an unspoken character; a place of familiarity for our young leads, yet to us it’s a controlled form of containment, almost prison like in form. This is heightened by the camera work; switching between ensuring the space feels restrictive, and Dutch angles when the lives of Red and Blue take an irreversible turn. I took away themes of how we seek solace in distraction. The film challenges us to think outside the box, holding a mirror to ourselves asking can we do more in an inescapable time of political unrest, widening economic divides and distrust in institutions once created to keep the public safe. This is a deeply layered story set to challenge and open conversation post screening, so you may find a different meaning.
If you didn’t manage to catch Home Bodies at FrightFest, I’d highly recommend dropping the tagged accounts a follow to see where it will screen next.
